Taste Test: Veggie Burgers

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The old reputation of these meatless patties: Yes, they're virtuous (only about 100 calories each and 10 grams lower in fat than even lean-meat burgers), but they taste like coasters made of rubbery soy. Times have changed. So we asked 21 GH staffers — both vegetarians and carnivores — to taste 16 veggie burgers from 11 nationally available brands. (We skipped all ethnic variations.)

The patties fell into two categories: soy-based burgers and the newer, fiber-rich grain- and vegetable-based burgers. Except for two instances in which the food companies recommend oven baking, we cooked all the entries on a grill pan with a little vegetable cooking spray. We know that you'll probably serve your veggie burgers in buns with condiments, but our tasters sampled the patties plain for a true comparison of flavor and texture. Here's how they stacked up.

The clear winner here was Boca Meatless Burgers, All American Flame Grilled. While some volunteers were bothered by their somewhat spongy, chewy texture (that's soy protein for you), overall our panel found these patties flavorful and moist with a pleasant hint of smokiness. One taster said it was "reminiscent of a real grilled burger." Serve this classic-style with lettuce and tomato and onion slices.

Our samplers ate up the true veggie flavor and freshness of MorningStar Farms Garden Veggie Patties. Tasters liked their moistness and chunky texture. "You can actually see the vegetables!" exclaimed one tester. For a naturally sweet and delicious burger that actually tastes of the mushrooms, peppers, onions, and carrots it was made with, grab a box of these. Try a spoonful of salsa or chutney on top.